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Nope, "natural" and "organic" are not exchangeable terms. You

might see "natural" and other terms like "all natural," "free-range"

or "hormone-free" on food labels. These descriptions have to be

truthful, but don't mix them up with the term "organic." Only foods

that are raised and processed according to Department of

Agriculture organic criteria may be labeled organic.

Conventional growers utilize pesticides to protect their crops from

molds, insects and diseases. If farmers spray pesticides, this may

leave residue on produce. Some individuals purchase organic food

to restrict their exposure to these residues. According to the USDA,

organic produce bears significantly fewer pesticide residues than

does conventional produce. All the same, residues on most products

— both organic and nonorganic — don't surpass government safety

thresholds

A recent study analyzed the past 50 years' worth of scientific articles

about the nutrient content of organic and conventional foods. The

investigators concluded that organically and conventionally

produced foodstuffs are like in their nutrient content. Research in

this area is in progress.

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